Heat Pump Help - Ducted v Air-Water Radiant &Carrier vs Bryant v Trane
Paul Griffin
3 years ago
Hello,
I'm building a new home and trying to select which type of heating system I'm going to install, I don't like the look of mini splits either on the walls or cassettes in the ceiling. So I'm leaning towards a ducted system or air-water in floor radiation heating.
I'm located in Canada so a cold climate, seems as though asking around there's people with issues with just about any kind of heat pump.
I'm leaning towards either of these brands and wondering if anyone can recommend a specific model that has worked well for them. I'm not sure if there's a system that would allow me to only have a 200 amp service in my home. Seems like that may be wishful thinking but I will have to spend the money to install 400 amp service.
Open Looped ground water heating pumps are not permitted in the town ( there's no town water supply artesian wells are the norm)
Thanks for any feedback.
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (10)
Paul Griffin
3 years agoRelated Discussions
Geothermal heat pump vs air source heat pump vs gas
Comments (27)Air source heat pumps don't make sense in areas where winter temps frequently fall below 32 degrees. Once you get below freezing, you will be running the auxillary heat a lot. If you decide to go the air source route, you will want a second stage gas fired auxillary heat. I live in the mid-atlantic region in the mountains and selected GT. That choice was coupled with a blown cellulose insulation package. My other choice was a propane heat/electric AC with a foam insulation package. Both options were roughly the same install cost. Both would have provided similar energy efficiency. At the time we selected, propane was 3.75 a gallon and rising (with no end in sight) so we went with GT. The delta cost for the GT system (above the cost for a HE propane heat and electric AC system) was $15,000 for the heat pumps and loop plumbing (including pumps) plus $17,000 for digging the pit. The pit excavation should not have cost as much as it did but it is a 12 ton system and the hole was gigantic (120' x 48' x 6'). We live on a mountain and hit a bunch of boulders that required special equipment to get out. Rocky soil also required a 1' base of stone dust to cover the loop piping. The total cost for the GT HVAC system including all ducting was $50,000 plus the pit excavation cost of 17K. It is a large investment and I would only recommend it if you plan to live in the house a very long time. My heating bills are great - maybe 300 dollars maximum a month during peak winter for an 8500 square foot home (5900 living and the rest a condiitoned but unfinished basement). Make sure that whatever equipment you choose can be maintained by more than 1 very qualified HVAC company who has many years of GT experience. In my area there is only 1 GT company who has over 20 years of experience but I am stuck with them for maintenance. There have been times when I wanted to fire them but cannot. Local competition is a good thing. Also - if you build a tight home make sure that you consider ventilation and dehumidification in the HVAC design. I wound up adding both a whole house dehumidifier and energy recovery vent after we moved in becuase we had basement moisture issues as well as stale air in the winter. Tight homes are great for energy efficiency but can create health issues too. It is easy to deal with as long as you plan for it. Good luck with the build....See MoreTrane XL18i vs XV18 vs Carrier Infinity
Comments (24)Thanks TD. I will look into the L series to double check - and the 9kw strips. Thanks for the suggestion with the Performance series - the Carrier had already supplied that quote to me as well. But it had the Infinity heat pump as the outside unit with performance everything else. I've asked him to revise the quote - but it looks like the performance setup would be about $2-3k less than the infinity setup. I really do like the idea of the communication with the Infinity setup (like the stat too). I'm OK with the price. I think that number looks average comparing it to other threads on this board. I think my 2 Trane guys were pretty high, but they are the only 2 authorized dealers in town. Bryant Evolution quote came back more than the Carrier Infinity. Thanks for the advice. I might put up the final 2 quotes in a bit to get thoughts - the Performance setup vs the Infinity setup....See MoreCarrier vs Bryant Question
Comments (14)Forgot to add - we are adding a new return up and down, new supply up, increasing some duct diameters, replacing plenum, etc. I think ductwork will be much better after the replacement. One thing carrier vendor recommended was repositioned supply feeds so they are not within 17" of end of rigid supply duct (currently flex hoses are connected 6" from end), and adding "scoops" in the duct to direct air towards a media room near the end of the supply duct that gets hot in the summer. He said both of these would help put more air in that room. There is a small return in that room - 7" flex. But return is also near end of the return duct and he didn't feel increasing the 7" duct would do too much vs those supply changes (other vendors suggested increasing that flex duct diameter). The return in a shallow in-wall job with 14x14 grill. No one else suggested these particular changes. Does this sound like a good approach to get more air in that room. (in addition to another independent return to another room)....See MoreReplacement System Carrier vs Trane
Comments (4)Several points- great feedback re the questions I asked Costs figures helpful to see 19 seer likely overkill. 1.What would be a great carrier system with a 16-18 seer rating for the MD area with 2 ton HP & AH, 3 ton central air/3 ton gas furnace that is a certified-matched system? We have a 92% efficient furnace and wanted to stay there or better ie 95%. 2. Next step down for Trane system is the Lx 18i which looks like a reasonable choice. We have the 12 Seer system now HP and Central Air and XE 90. BG&E Bill for May thru Sept $1400 so likely will see some savings here. Trane system has a better warrantee on the condenser 12 yr vs 10 year carrier. 3. Forgot to mention price includes new Gs 650 water heater. 4. Contractor did not specify infinity controls for the carrier system. 5. Noted no third party controls- contractor did say Aspen makes coils for carrier use. 6. I do have three other contractors coming. 7. I did find an HVAC installer checklist from ACCA.org. Do you have a handy checklist to compare quotes that you advise using?? It seems the quality of the install job is as much if not more important than the equipment being installed ie trane or carrier systems....See MorePaul Griffin
3 years agoPaul Griffin
2 years ago
mtvhike
2 years agofsq4cw
2 years ago
Related Stories
GREAT HOME PROJECTSHow to Add a Radiant Heat System
Enjoy comfy, consistent temperatures and maybe even energy savings with hydronic heating and cooling
Full Story
FLOORSIs Radiant Heating or Cooling Right for You?
Questions to ask before you go for one of these temperature systems in your floors or walls (yes, walls)
Full Story
FLOORSWhat to Ask When Considering Heated Floors
These questions can help you decide if radiant floor heating is right for you — and what your options are
Full Story
SAVING WATER11 Ways to Save Water at Home
Whether you live in a drought-stricken area or just want to help preserve a precious resource, here are things you can do to use less water
Full Story
LIFE6 Ways to Cool Off Without Air Conditioning
These methods can reduce temperatures in the home and save on energy bills
Full Story
GREAT HOME PROJECTSHow to Switch to a Tankless Water Heater
New project for a new year: Swap your conventional heater for an energy-saving model — and don’t be fooled by misinformation
Full Story
HOUSEKEEPING5 Steps to Improve Your Heating System Now
Increase your heater's efficiency and safety for lower energy bills and greater peace of mind this winter
Full Story
HEALTHY HOMEGet Cleaner Indoor Air Without Opening a Window
Mechanical ventilation can actually be better for your home than the natural kind. Find out the whys and hows here
Full Story
BATHROOM DESIGNWarm Up Your Bathroom With Heated Floors
If your bathroom floor is leaving you cold, try warming up to an electric heating system
Full Story
LIFE12 House-Hunting Tips to Help You Make the Right Choice
Stay organized and focused on your quest for a new home, to make the search easier and avoid surprises later
Full Story
fsq4cw